February 2022

In February, SFACC adopted out 59 animals: 26 cats, 15 dogs, and 16 other species (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds). The shelter transferred 135 animals: 46 cats, 43 dogs, and 62 other species to rescue partner organizations.

Fruitloop (now Kassi) has gone home!

Teddy (L) came to the shelter with a mop of cuteness. Not only did he get a makeover by SFACC staff, he was adopted and gained a sister, Izzy!

Kitty Update: Cleo and Jasper (formerly Pumpkin and Batman) were adopted as a kitten pair and are …”doing really well! Very energetic and always snuggling in the morning. Their fur got so thick and soft so quickly! No longer the tiny little kittens we adopted.

“Good Morning from Oregon! Craig here. I have found my forever home! There are so many new and curious things to check out. I go for lots of walks where I see squirrels, birds, horses, goats, chickens, and a big, scary black cat! The backyard is big enough so when I get the zoomies, I can really cover some ground! I am very happy and loved here in Oregon. PS – my humans changed my name to Rocky. I’m OK with it–because I’m a rockstar! I had no idea I have sooooo many friends on Facebook. Thank you for checking up on me, and a special thank you to SFACC for helping me find my forever home. Gotta go–here comes that big black cat. More later…”

Pittie sweetheart Quinn has gone home, with a distinguished new chi brother, Saffron (who doesn’t seem into having his photo taken; we feel you Saffron!). We can’t wait to hear about Quinn’s new life!

Venusaur adopted!

Sweet pup Bonnie has gone home. She only has eyes for her new mom!

Fluffy piggie girl Fiona went home with her new mom.

Sweetums has gone home with a big family full of love and fun! Happy tails!

Little pup Bernie has found her forever home!

Theodore has been adopted!

Hugo was adopted and now has a sibling.

Beauty Kara and her new parents.

The Compassion of an Animal Shelter

By Deb Campbell
Volunteering/Public Information/Outreach

(Names of the pets and their person have been changed to respect their privacy.)

Kate was doing well. She had a good job, a car, her own apartment, and was living with her beloved cat (Downy) and dog (Diamond) in San Francisco. She was even able to afford significant vet bills for Downy’s ongoing kidney issues. Her visits to the veterinarian totaled over $12,000–which she gladly paid with her savings.

Then the pandemic hit and Kate lost her job. She was eventually evicted from her apartment and ended up on the street with Diamond and Downy. Kate bought a car so that she and her pets would have shelter and remain together as a family.  The car became a home to Kate, Diamond, and Downy.

More bad luck ensued, and the car Kate bought turned out to have been stolen before she purchased it. She lost the car and was arrested for its theft, despite having nothing to do with stealing the car.

Diamond and Downy were picked up by Officer Danetra Burke and transported to San Francisco Animal Care & Control (SFACC). The animals were taken into protective custody to be cared for until staff could work with Kate to determine their future. Diamond (a six-year-old pit bull) and Downy (a six-year-old long-haired gray cat) are best friends, but could not be put in the same room together at the shelter. Both animals received warm beds, toys, and treats, and enrichment from specially trained volunteers.

Animal Control Officers wanted to make sure that Diamond and Downy were able to see each other. They brought both into the squad room (the Animal Control Officers’ headquarters) to hang out, see each other, and get affection and attention from all who saw them. Everyone fell in love.

When Kate was released from jail her priority was her pets. She wanted her companions back, but she wanted them to have a secure place to go.  Kate’s main concern was to make sure her beloved pets were safe. She was still homeless, but now she had no money and no car. She talked to SFACC’s Shelter Service Reps every day to let them know she was diligently looking for options to house herself and her pets. Shelter Service Reps, including Anacani Serrato, were impressed with her caring and commitment.

SFACC staff stepped in. Animal Control Officer Jason Kent and Animal Care Attendant Sandy Avila had a car that they didn’t need. They donated it to Kate. Now she had a place to live with Diamond and Downy. Officer Stephanie Pone knew Kate would need money to register the car, so she started a donation drive. SFACC staff donated over $600 to take care of the car registration and other expenses. Behavior & Training Supervisor Katy Jones, Officer Burke, and Officer Pone knew Kate would need supplies for her pets. They packed the donated car with toys, treats, bedding and food–and included special food for cats with kidney disease.

When Kate came to SFACC to be reunited with her pets, she learned that Operations Manager Ariana Luchsinger had waived all of the fees that she owed to the shelter. Kate was able to begin the next chapter of her life knowing that she and her pets had the best possible start thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of San Francisco Animal Care & Control.

The SFACC team (left to right; top to bottom)… ACA Sandy Avila, Officer Danetra Burke, B&T Supervisor Katy Jones, Officer Jason Kent, Operations Manager Ariana Luchsinger, and Officer Stephanie Pone.

January 2022

In January SFACC adopted out 73 animals: 22 dogs, 35 cats, 16 other species (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds). The shelter transferred 182 animals: dogs, 48 cats, 62 other species to rescue partner organizations.

Our longest-term resident bun Shadow (and super sweet guy) was adopted in early January. “Shadow is already settling well into his new home. It took him about 20 seconds to start hopping around and playing with his toys. He did that for about an hour and then fell asleep.”

A fluffy kitten happy tails update! “Last month, we adopted a very sweet kitten by the name of Mushroom. We’ve had him for about a month now and can’t believe how sweet and friendly he is.” His new name is Snowball, perfect for such a fluffy guy.

“As we head into 2022, my partner and I are reflecting on the blessings that 2021 brought to our home. At the top of this list is the beautiful soul that we adopted from your facility.

We cannot tell you how much love and happiness that Maybelline has brought to us. We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to bring her into our family. Maybelline has been nothing but a joy (understatement!) and we love her dearly.

Maybelline’s previous owner clearly loved her very much and spent quality time with her. We are so impressed with the tricks she knows and training she received. Maybelline has no problem with our neighbors’ cats and dog that come to visit our doorstep and she doesn’t chase after squirrels or have problems with small children. We are so thankful for her previous owner and often light a candle or incense in their honor.

Thanks again for helping us bring such a gorgeous being into our family.”

Sweet Turbo with his new dad.

Cat update: “Hi ACC! We adopted Tyler (7-yo male silver Tabby) on Aug 17 and wanted to send you some pics and update. Our two-year-old daughter, Olive, picked him out of the dozen of cats we saw SF ACC and SFSPCA. As you can see, she adores him.”

Babs update: “She’s such a love bug and everyone who meets her adores her and we can tell that she’s going to be so great! Thank you for bringing her to us. We could not be more in love with her.”

Simba found his forever home. It was love at first sight!

Layla

Handsome tuxie chatterbox Julius was hanging around in a neighborhood for months before he wound up here. After his stray period was over, one of his neighborhood friends came in to adopt him. We couldn’t be happier and we think he agrees!

Great news: puppy Craig’s new family drove from Oregon to adopt him! They have husky experience and a large property with a horse and a donkey and other farm animals. Sounds like Craig is in for a life as busy and fun as he is.

Sweet velvet hippo Tashi has gone home!

This is your final moment of Zayn because the big sweetie has gone home! Lots of cuddles in store for this lucky family. And he’ll have a pittie sister too. Zayn’s going home to Alegria, adopted two years ago from SFACC. Follow these two on Instagram: @alynzaynsf.

Betsy

Boogie with new mom.

Katya meeting her adopters.

Rodney

Alumnus TinTin came by for a visit. This pic is from the old SFACC building, when he was first adopted.

Slushie

December 2021

In December, SFACC adopted out 144 animals (92 cats, 10 dogs, and 42 other species). In addition, the shelter transferred 172 animals (59 dogs, 25 cats and 88 other species) to rescue partner organizations.

Dunkies was adopted and is now called Timbet.

Handsome guinea pig Hiro came in to find a new buddy and went home with two: Rocco & Rico! And bonded pair of guinea pig gals Piza & Tsuna went home today with a new gal pal! A great day of guinea pig adoptions!

A canine and feline happy tails update: “Chacha (was Gnocchi) and Viejito (was Panda) were adopted 3 and 2 years ago. They love snuggling and sun worshiping together. They have made my life complete. Thank you!”

Hammie boy Jellybean was adopted a couple of months ago and it’s safe to say he’s settled in and is quite comfy with his people. “I think he likes us! He also turned out to be quite a floof!” Who wouldn’t be happy with cuddles and cereal snacks?

Cocoa Bean and her new family.

Kitten pair update! “It’s been 2 months since we brought our two little boys, Sprout and Finn, home from SFACC. We absolutely love and adore them. They are incredibly social and affectionate. They run up to greet our visitors when they enter our home and cuddle up with us for snuggles throughout the day and night. Because of this, we have given them the nickname, the cuddlebugs. They have brought so much joy into our lives. They have only been home with us two months but it feels like they have been in our hearts forever.”

Kaleidoscope adopted!

Prada and Dior were adopted together. Yay!

Apple went home and has her own Instagram page: @applethepinklady

Bubbles was transferred to an adoption partner in Portland, Oregon. Driven there in a blizzard by SFACC staffers Katy Jones (B&T) and ACO Stephanie Pone.
Thank you!

Tugboat was transferred to an adoption partner and is now in a foster home.

Guppy is now with Grateful Dogs Rescue.

November 2021

In November, SFACC adopted out 154 animals (118 cats, 20 dogs, and 16 other species). In addition, the shelter transferred 151 animals (42 dogs, 62 cats and 47 other species) to rescue partner organizations.

 

 

Boston boy Baxter hit the jackpot! He’s gone home with his new family, including a Boston Terrier brother and a human brother! Looks like a lot of fun is in store for this household!
One of Baxter’s adopters is a veteran.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently adopted Rosie (formerly known as Armadillo) and Blue, adopted in 2019, came by to say hello. Aren’t they the cutest pair? Rosie even has her own Instagram page!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this darling duo! Apricot has gone home! Her new name is Lola.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legend has sauntered to his new home with a toy in tow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milo adopted and will have a buddy.